Page 121 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CATFISH 119

THE SOUND OF SCALES
Members of the doradid group are well protected
by the rows of protective spines along the body,
which make these catfish difficult for predators to
swallow. The spines on the pectoral fins are also
used for communication—they produce an
audible, scratchy sound when rubbed together.
Exactly why doradids have evolved this
method of communication is unclear, but
since they are largely nocturnal, it may be
that the sounds help them to locate
each other for spawning purposes
in the dark surroundings. It is
possible that their well-
developed sense of smell
also assists them in their
search for mates.

Agamyxis pectinifrons Megalodoras uranoscopus
White-Spotted Doradid Irwin’s Soldier Cat distinctive brown plates, overlaid in part with rows
of spines, while darker shading helps to break up
ORIGINS South America, occurring in parts of Ecuador ORIGINS South America, where it ranges through much its outline. Snails make up the bulk of this catfish’s
and Peru. of the Brazilian Amazon and into the Guianas. diet in the wild, augmented by palm fruits and
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). SIZE 24 in (60 cm). other items that fall into the water. Fortunately,
DIET Catfish pellets and live foods. DIET Catfish pellets and meat-based foods. in the home aquarium it is possible to wean Irwin’s
WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); soft WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); soft Soldier Cats onto artificial diets without much
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). difficulty. It may be necessary to offer foods such as
TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful. thawed shrimp at first, but before long, they should
be eating tablets and similar prepared foods. These
Not to be confused with the Black Doradid (see catfish need a large tank with secure decor that
opposite), this snail-eating species does, however, cannot be dislodged easily. The sharp projections on
attain a similarly large size, although it tends to the body mean that it is unwise to transport this
grow more slowly. Its body is covered with very species in plastic bags, especially larger specimens.
Banding
on the tail
Sensory
barbels

Whitish spots and blotches
on a blackish background
help to identify White-Spotted Doradids. Their tank
should not be brightly lit and must include plenty of
retreats where the catfish can hide. They will
become more active when it is dark, emerging to
hunt for food over the substrate. Like Hancock’s
Doradid (see opposite), they can make sounds via the
swim bladder. These catfish are probably substrate
spawners, but breeding is unknown in aquariums.

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